BEIJING - Visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Friday hailed bilateral ties with China as French President Francois Hollande will visit the country.

The incoming visit will make Hollande the first head of state from major Western countries to visit China after China's new leadership took office, reflecting the depth of France-China ties, Fabius said.

France is discussing with China on planning celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2014, he said.

Talking about bilateral trade, Fabius said ways for resolving the French trade deficit with China should be sought during bilateral trade development.

Meanwhile, he expressed hope that both countries can boost cooperation in areas including aviation and aerospace, nuclear energy, agriculture, food processing, medicine and health, and they could beef up two-way investment, honoring a principle of reciprocal equity and openness.

Fabius started a two-day visit to China on Friday. The trip will take him to Shanghai as well as Beijing.